Method and apparatus for packaging pliant,elongate articles



March 11, 1969 3,431,696

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES C. HORBERG, JR

Sheet of 10 Filed Oct. 27. 196$ INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG JR.

March 11, 1969 c. HORBERG, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT. ELONGATE ARTICLES Sheet 2 of 10 Filed 00%.. 27. 1966 I INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG,JR.

n H n n n n n n n n ATTORNEYS March 11, 1969 c, HORBERG, JR 3,431,696

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES Filed Oct. 27, 1966 Sheet 3 of 10 A 4 T W arfii zgfli a 224, l L z 7 I mm M! HHIZIUHHHHHIZIUHHHH v fi INVENTOR e "Mam? QMOB HG) QE Z H F I y 1 aw ATTORNEYS sheet 4 INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG,JR. AM, 044444, audy,

C. HORBERG, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT. ELONGATE ARTICLES March 11, 1969 Filed Oct. 27. 1966 l,- -w- I 25m; ozfizomzoim m SE2 8 BY M, (A

ATTORNEYS March 11, 1969 c. HORBERG, JR 3,431,696

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES ll CONTROL & I If I SYNCHRONIZING ,l SYSTEM INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG,JR. M, 0&4, I

ATTORNEYS March OR JR METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT. ELONGATE ARTICLES Filed Oct. 27, 1966 Sheet 6 0 10 CONTROL 8 SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEM lNV ENTOR CHARLES HORBER6,JR.

154...! 64, BY M 4 ATTORNEYS March 11, c HORBERG, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT,'ELONGATE ARTICLES Filed 001;. 27, 1966 Sheet 7 of 10 WMWUUULHZLJIMHIIIII'IIT 1' W CHARLES HORBERG,JR.

M 00M, BY 4M /4 -.M;

ATTORNEYS March 11, 1969 c. HORBERG, JR 3,431,696

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANTLELONGATE ARTICLES Filed Oct. 27, 1966 Sheet 8 01" 10 CHARLES HORBERQJR M, Dom, Q BY J w Au/4;

ATTORNEYS March 11, 1969; c. HORBERG, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES Filed Oct. 27, 1966 Sheet 9 of 10' INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG,JR. KM, Dam

Anna:- d/audd ATTORNEYS March 11, 1969 0. HORYBEIRG, JR

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES Sheet of 10 Filed Oct. 27,1966 I H628 INVENTOR CHARLES HORBERG,JR.

CONTROL 8 SYNCHRONIZING SYSTEM ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3 431 696 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING PLIANT, ELONGATE ARTICLES Charles Horberg, .lr., Northbrook, Ill., assignor to Paramount Textile Machinery Co., Chicago, Ill., :1 corporation of Illinois Filed Oct. 27, 1966, Ser. No. 589,881 US. CI. 53-24 21 Claims Int. Cl. B65b 61/20, 63/04, 43/30 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A system which is intended for wrapping a pliant elongated article about a deformable, generally flat, backing. The backing is Wrapped circumferentially about a peripheral portion of a circular spindle. Then the pliant article is wound circumferentially about the spindle exteriorly of the backing. The backing and the pliant article are withdrawn concurrently from the spindle in an axial direction. Finally the backing with the pliant article wound about it, is restored to a flat configuration.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for packaging pliant, elongate articles such as ladies stockings. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for packing ladies stockings wherein each stocking is wrapped about a relatively stiff backing sheet and inserted into a bag.

In merchandising hosiery goods such as ladies stockings, it is necessary that the stockings be packaged in a manner that permits adequate inspection by prospective buyers prior to purchase yet protects the stockings against accidental damage, notably snagging, during such inspection. One form of package found particularly suitable for these purposes utilizes a sealed transparent bag enclosing the stockings which are wrapped about a relatively stiff backing sheet for enhanced display effect. Packaging of the stockings in the form described is usually performed manually, as such prior attempts as have been made to provide for automatic packaging of stockings in this format have generally proven unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons.

In recognition of the need for satisfactory automatic packaging of pliant, elongate articles such as ladies stockings, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a particularly efiicient method and apparatus for automatically packaging pliant articles in the format described.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packaging ladies stockings in the format described, so uniquely constructed as to enable the stockings to be packaged at a particularly high rate.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packaging ladies stockings in the format described, so constructed as to enable a plurality of pairs of stockings in various stages of the packaging process to be packaged simultaneously to provide an enhanced rate of production.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packaging ladies stockings in the format described at a very low cost.

In achieving these and other objects, as will become apparent hereinafter, the method of packaging ladies stockings of the present invention comprises the steps of deforming a backing sheet to an arcuate configuration, forming at least one stocking into a loop enclosing the arcuately deformed backing sheet and restoring the backing to a flat configuration. In its further aspects, the method includes the steps of wrapping the backing radially about a peripheral portion of a circular spindle, winding the pliant article radially about the spindle exteriorly of the backing, and concurrently withdrawing the backing and the pliant article axially from the spindle. Thereafter, the backing is restored to the flat configuration and then the backing and pliant article still wrapped thereabout, are transferred into a bag.

The apparatus utilized to accomplish the steps of the above-described method includes support means for supporting the backing. Deforming means cooperate with the support means to deform the backing radially into an atom ate configuration. Wrapping means then wrap the pliant article about the support means exteriorly of the backing. After operation of the wrapping means, withdrawing means withdraws the backing and the article concurrently from the support means axially thereof. The withdrawing means additionally restores the backing to a flat configuration subsequent to withdrawal of the backing from the support means.

In an additional signficant aspect, the packaging apparat-us additionally includes bagging means for enclosing the pliant article and the backing within a bag subsequent to restoration of the backing to a flat configuration.

In describing the invention, reference is made to a preferred embodiment illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of a packaging apparatus according to the present invention, shown in a starting position in which a fresh backing sheet is about to be deformed;

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a deforming apparatus forming a part of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top View of the deforming apparatus shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a spindle forming a part of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, showing the backing sheet being deformed about the spindle by the deforming apparatus with the holding members not engaged;

'FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 are side views of the spindle shown in FIGURE 4, showing successive rotative positions of the spindle prior to and during winding thereon of a stocking;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the spindle shown in FIGURE 4 with the holding members engaged and with the spindle moved to a second station in which the spindle is shown cooperating with a driving rack bar;

FIGURE 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a vacuum probe forming a part of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a side view of the remainder of the probe shown in FIGURE 9 on the right side of the line therein;

FIGURE 11 is an end view of the withdrawal apparatus forming a part of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, showing the pairs of gripping tongs withdrawn from the spindle;

FIGURE 12 is a top view of the withdrawal apparatus shown in FIGURE 11 showing the gripping tongs in an engaged position with the spindle;

FIGURES 13 and 14 are side views of the withdrawal apparatus shown in FIGURE 11 showing the gripping tongs successively entering the spindle and gripping the stocking and backing wound thereon;

FIGURE 15 is a side view of two pairs of gripping tongs forming a part of the withdrawal apparatus shown in FIGURE 11 with the pairs of gripping tongs in the position they occuply when gripping the stockings;

FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional, top view of a portion of the two pairs of gripping tongs shown in FIGURE 15 taken along the lines 1616 therein showing the gear train mechanism for interrelating the motion of the members comprising the pairs of gripping tongs;

Patented Mar. 11, 1969 FIGURE 17 is a side view of one pair of the gripping tongs shown in FIGURE shown in the position they occupy subsequent to straightening of the stocking;

FIGURE 18 is a side view of the pair of gripping tongs shown in FIGURE 17 with the gripping tongs opened to permit release of the stocking;

FIGURE 19 is a side view of the gripping arm shown in FIGURE 18 with the tongs open but returned to the inclination they possess prior to engagement with the spindle;

FIGURE 20 is a side view of a bagging mechanism forming a part of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1, showing a bag being opened prior to insertion therein of a stocking wrapped on a backing;

FIGURE 21 is a side view of a portion of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 1 showing the transferring head engaging a stocking prior to separation therefrom of the gripping tongs of the withdrawal apparatus;

FIGURE 22 is a side view of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 20 showing the stocking about to be inserted into the bag;

FIGURE 23 is a side view of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 20 showing the stocking immediately subsequent to insertion thereof into the bag;

FIGURE 24 is a top view of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 20 showing a stocking about to be engaged by the transferring head;

FIGURE 25 is a side view of a portion of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 24;

FIGURE 26 is an end view of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 24 as viewed along view direction 26-26 of FIGURE 25;

FIGURE 27 is a side view of the bagging apparatus shown in FIGURE 23 showing release of the bag from the transferring head; and

FIGURE 28 is a side view of the withdrawal apparatus shown in the position it occupies subsequent to removal from the stocking.

For added clarity of disclosure the numerals used to relate the text to the drawings are allocated according to the following system:

2l00Spindle and miscellaneous structure;

100 series-Backing sheet, sheet feed and sheet deforming structure;

200 seriesTurret, stockings and stocking feed structure;

300 series-Withdrawal mechanism;

400 seriesTransfer mechanism structure.

Overall structure and operation Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, a packaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a base 2 having a turret 200 mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The turret 200 supports three identical, equally spaced, rotatably mounted, circular spindles 4 and is intermittently driven to rotate each spindle successively through three stations I, II, and III.

At station I a deforming apparatus, generally designated 100 deforms a backing sheet 102 about a peripheral portion of the adjacent spindle 4. The backing sheet 102 is held on the spindle 4 after deformation by two movable holding members 6 on the spindle.

The turret 200 then moves the spindle 4 to station II where a driving rack bar 202 engages a splined portion of a rotatably mounted vacuum probe 212 frictionally engaging the spindle 4, to rotate the spindle about its own axis to a pick-up position (FIGURE 6). At the pick-up position, shown in FIGURE 8, one end of a stocking 204, supported on a horizontal conveyor 206 moving beneath and parallel to the axis of the spindle 4, is pressed into contact with the spindle 4 by a vertically moving plunger 208. An apertured portion 8 in the periphcry of the spindle is positioned against the end of the stocking 204 in the pick-up position of the spindle. Vacuum is applied to the apertured portion 8 to retain the end of the stocking in contact with the periphery of the spindle 4 while the bar 202 subsequently rotates the vacuum probe 212 and hence the frictionally engaged spindle 4 to wind the stocking peripherally about the spindle enclosing the backing. The turret 200 then moves the spindle 4 to station III in which the stocking 204 and the backing sheet 102 are removed from the spindle by a withdrawal apparatus generally designated 300.

The withdrawal apparatus 300 includes a stand 302 movable axially relative to the spindle 4 positioned in station III. Rotatably mounted on the stand 302 is a vertically extending main arm 304 provided at each of its ends with two pairs of gripping tongs 306. The tongs 306 are movable axially of the adjacent spindle 4 upon movement of the stand 302. Each pair of gripping tongs 306 includes an inner tong 308 which is received within an axially extending peripheral slot 5 in the spindle 4 beneath the backing sheet and an outer tong 312 which is subsequently moved into gripping engagement with stocking and backing portions interposed between it and the inner tong 308. After closing of the tongs 308 and 312, the stand 302 is moved axially away from the spindle 4 to withdraw the tongs 306 axially from the spindle 4 thus removing the stocking 204 still wound about the backing sheet 102. The main arm 304 is rotated through 180 subsequent to withdrawal of the gripping tongs 306 from the spindle 4.

The next axial movement of the stand 302 toward the spindle 4 to engage the next subsequently indexed spindle 4 then concurrently brings the recently removed stocking and backing to station IV. At station IV the pair 306 of gripping tongs are oppositely rotated to an aligned, opposed configuration to straighten the stocking and backing sheet to a flat condition. The stocking is then engaged by a transferring apparatus 400, released from the gripping tongs 306 and subsequently transferred by the transferring apparatus into a bag 402.

In the preferred embodiment, the movements of the various working parts and their timed relationships are controlled by sources of hydraulic power utilizing well known methods of hydraulic control. However, it will be appreciated that other motive systems such as for example, those based on the use of electrical or pneumatic power sourecs, may be utilized in the practice of the present invention.

Backing sheet support and deformation Referring to FIGURE 1 in more detail, the previously mentioned backing sheets 102 are stacked in vertically disposed, side-by-side relation in a conventional, inclined base, gravity hopper 104 from which they are fed singly by a vertically reciprocating feed mechanism 105 frictionally engaging the foremost sheet 102 in the hopper 104 to a vertically extending generally rectangular front face of a static frame 106 forming a part of the deforming apparatus 100. The frame 106 (FIGURES 2 and 3) comprises a generally rectangular structure defined by spaced, opposed, vertically extending side members 108 and spaced opposed top and bottom members 110 and 112, respectively. A sliding box 114 positioned within the frame 106 includes opposed side walls 115 slidably abutting the opposed inner faces of the vertical side walls 108 of the frame and extending vertically intermediate the upper and lower members 110 and 112. The side walls 115 of the box 114 are joined at their transversely opposed forward and rear extremities by vertically extending forward and rear transverse members 116 and 118, respectively.

Provided in each of the vertically extending opposed inner faces of the vertical side walls 110 and extending forwardly from the mid-point thereof is a vertically and laterally extending rectangular recess 120. Within each of the recesses 120 is a generally rectangular, side piece 122 slidably abutting adjacent portions of the side frame members 108 and secured at its rear extremity to the forward transverse member 116 of the box 114. The forward, vertically extending extremities of the side members 122 are each configured to fit about the adjacent peripheral portion of an adjacent spindle 4, when the side members 122 are subsequently advanced in a manner to be described.

A shaft 124 extending along the longitudinal axis of the sliding box 114 is slidably mounted in and projects through aligned apertures in the transverse members 116 and 118. The rod 124 has fixedly secured thereto radial projections 126 and 128 abutting the rear surfaces of the forward and rear transverse members 116 and 118. A compression spring 129 mounted between the forward radial projection 126 and the forward face of the rear transverse member 118 biases the shaft 124 forwardly of the box 114. The longitudinal axis of the shaft 124 is aligned with a diameter of the adjacent spindle 4 so that a pressure plate 130 secured to the forward extremity of the shaft 124 and contoured to fit a portion of the periphery of the adjacent spindle 4 may press the backing sheet 102 tangentially into contact with the spindle as will be described.

In order to advance the box 114 relative to the static frame 106, "an extensible hydraulic ram 132 is connected between the rear face of the rear transverse member 118 and a fixed support.

In operation a backing sheet 102, fed from the hopper 104 by the feed mechanism 105, rests in a vertical position against the forward lateral faces of the side members 108 and top and bottom members 110 and 112 with the lower end of the sheet supported on a horizontal projecting lip 131 on the bottom member 112. In this position the sheet is in tangential touching contact with a peripheral portion of the spindle 4. Actuation of the ram 132 advances the sliding box 114 and hence the shaft 124 toward the spindle 4 so that the pressure plate 130 pins the central portion of the backing sheet 102 against the spindle 4. Further extension of the ram 132 continues to move the box 114 forward, so that the contoured front surfaces of the forward side plates 122 wrap the free extremities of the backing card about the periphery of the spindle 4 (FIGURE 4). During this later motion, the box transverse members 116 and 118 slide axially forwardly relative to the shaft 124.

In order to retain the backing sheet 102 in its deformed configuration on the spindle 4, the previously mentioned holding members 6 (FIGURE 4) are provided. The holding members 6 comprise two axially spaced pairs of pins, each pair being aligned with one side piece 122 of the deforming apparatus 100. Each pin 7 is mounted in one of a plurality of vertical, oversized bores 8 provided in the spindle rearwardly of and parallel to a vertical diameter thereof.

Each pin 7 is movable transversely of its length within its associated bore 8 from a rearward position abutting the rearmost peripheral portion of the bore 8 to a forward position abutting the foremost peripheral portion of the bore. In the forward position of each pin 7 a forwardly directed hook 9 at the outward end of the pin 7 lies closely adjacent the nearest portion of the periphery of the spindle 4 while in the rearward, open position of the pin 7 the hook 9 is spaced from the periphery of the spindle. v

Secured to the inward end of each pin 7 and extending perpendicularly forwardly therefrom is an associated plunger 10. The plungers 10, secured to a pair of pins 7, are slidably received within two horizontal parallel bores 11 disposed on each side of the axis of the spindle.

Extending transversely of each bore 11, rearwardly adjacent the pin 7, is an annular web 12 integral with the spindle. A bolt 13 slidably passing through the web 12 and threadedly connected to the rearward end of the adjacent plunger is provided with a compression spring 14 extending forwardly about the bolt between the web 12 and the bolt head. The spring 14 biases the 6 plunger 10 and hence the pin 7 to the forward, open position thereof.

Movement of the pins 7 from the rear to the forward position is effected by rotation of a cam 24 hearing on a yoke 26 secured to the free forward extremities of the plungers 10. The yoke is of chordal form having a flat surface 27 contacting the cam 24 and an arcuate peripheral portion which in the forward position of the yoke 26 is aligned with the periphery of the spindle 4 (FIGURE 8). The cam 24 comprises a round axially extending pin having one flat surface thereon which, in the rear position of the yoke 26 lies against the flat surface 27 thereof. The cam 24 is rotated by operation of an extensible ram 30 (FIGURE 1) impinging upon a lever 32 connected to the cam 24 thus bringing the radial portion of the cam 24 against the flat face 27 of the yoke which is moved forwardly to cause the hooked tips 9 of the pins 7 to move to the forward position thereof.

The backing sheet 102 adjacent its extremities is provided with holes 140 adapted to receive the hooks 9 of the pins 7 in the rearward, open position thereof. As the cam 24 is operated to move the pins 7 to the forward position, the portions of card 102 forwardly adjacent the holes 140 become gripped between the hooks 9 and the periphery of the spindle 4 so that the sheet 102 is secured to the spindle.

A similar extensible ram 34 (FIGURE 13) is provided for rotating the cam back to its former position for releasing the backing sheet.

The operations of the ram 30 to actuate the holding members 6 and of the ram 132 are interrelated (by means not shown) in such a manner that the ram 132 is contracted after operation of the ram 30, to withdraw the pressure plate 130 and the side plates 122 of the deforming apparatus from the path of the spindle 4 so that the spindle may subsequently be rotated by the turret 2 to the next station II. During the retraction of the deforming apparatus 100, the spring 129 expands to restore the shaft 124 to its initial position within the box 114.

Wrapping the stocking The sequence of operations performed at the wrapping station II is shown in FIGURES 5 to 7.

As the spindle 4 arrives at station II, it is initially in the position shown in FIGURE 5. At this time, the previously mentioned vacuum probe 212 (FIGURES 9 and 10) is moved axially into contact with the spindle 4. The probe 212 is mounted for axial reciprocation relative to the spindle 4 in an oversized horizontal bore 213 provided in a generally rectangular housing 214 secured to the bore 2. The bore 213 of the housing is provided with two axially spaced radial seals 215 extending about the exterior of the shaft 212 in sealing contact therewith. Vacuum from an external surface may be applied to the exterior of the shaft within the portion of the bore 213 between the seals 215 through a connecting passage 216 in the housing 214. The passage 216 is in fluid communication with intersecting radial and axial passages 218 and 220 in the probe 212 respectively. The axial passage 220 in the probe 212 extends axially to one tip end thereof. The axial range of movement of the radial passage 218 during operation of the probe 212 does not take the passage 218 outside either of the seals 215. To move the probe 212 axially a reversible linear actuator 221 is connected to the other extremity of the probe 212. A rotatable bearing 222 is interposed between the actuator 220 and the shaft 208 for a purpose to be described.

The free tip end of the probe 212 is provided with a conically tapered portion 223 which is advanced axially into sealing contact with a resilient O-ring 224 mounted about the entrance of an axially extending chamber 226 in the spindle 4. The previously mentioned axially extending perforated portion 8 of the spindle 4 communicates with an adjacent axially extending chamber 228 which is connected by a radial passage 230 to the chamber 226. In this manner, the vacuum applied to the probe 212 is applied to the perforated portion 8 of the spindle to retain one end of a stocking subsequently applied to the spindle in position thereon as will be described.

The vacuum probe 212, rearwardly of the rearmost radial seal 215 is provided with a radially extending axially splined portion 231. The rack bar 202 is supported horizontally in the housing 214 for sliding motion transversely of the vacuum probe 212 in response to the action of a reversible hydraulic ram 232 connected to one end of the rack bar 202. The rack bar 202 includes downwardly facing teeth in meshing engagement with the splined portion 231 of the vacuum probe 212 to rotate the probe 212 as the rack bar is moved. The rotational motion of the probe 212 is transmitted to the spindle 4 by the frictional engagement between the tapered portion 223 of the probe and the O-ring 224 Subsequent to engagement of the probe 212 with the spindle 4 the rack bar 202 is moved by the ram 232 to rotate the probe and hence the spindle 4 to the pick-up position shown in FIGURE 6. During such rotation the bearing 222 isolates the linear actuator 221 from the rotation of the body of the probe 212.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 8, the previously mentioned conveyor 206, which may be of the endless belt type, includes a horizontally disposed upper support surface spaced beneath the spindle 4. The direction of longitudinal motion of the conveyor is parallel to the rotational axis of the spindle 4. The conveyor includes a slot 236 extending either continuously or intermittently of the conveyor and parallel to the direction of motion thereof. The slot 236 is provided in the area of the conveyor 206 generally beneath the lowest circumferential portion of the adjacent spindle 4 in station II. The stockings 204 are supported on the conveyor 206 with the longitudinal axis of the stockings perpendicular to the direction of motion of the conveyor and with one longitudinal end of each stocking 204 overlying the aperture 236.

The previously mentioned vertically movable plunger 208 moves the adjacent end portion of the stocking 204 vertically into contact with the apertured portion 8 of the spindle 4 where it is retained by the vacuum applied thereto through the probe 212. Although to simplify the description of the invention, it has been described with reference to picking up one stocking at a time, it will be appreciated that due to the pervious nature of stocking material, stockings can and will ordinarily be picked up two at a time in overlying relation.

The plunger 208 is withdrawn downwardly after attachment of the stocking and the rack bar 202 is subsequently withdrawn rearwardly by the ram 232 rotating the probe 212 and hence the spindle 4 about its axis so as to wind the stocking 204 off the conveyor 206 onto and about the periphery of the spindle 4 enclosing the backing sheet 102.

During the initial pick up of the stocking the extreme forward tip thereof lies forwardly of the lower extremity of the backing sheet 102 supported on the spindle. In this manner an adequate overlapping portion of the stocking is provided so that when the sheet and stockings are subsequently straightened (as will be described) the overlapping tip of the stocking extends fully about the edge of the backing sheet on both sides thereof and is securely held on the sheet by the other wrapped portions of the stocking.

The rotatable bearing 222 insures that such rotation is not transmitted to the actuator 221.

The turret 200 then moves the spindle 4 to station III.

Withdrawal from the spindle The withdrawal apparatus 300, FIGURES 11 and 12, includes the previously mentioned vertical stand 302. Stand 302 is supported in a dovetailed keyway 314 (FIG- URE 13) for movement axially toward and away from the spindle 4 (in the position thereof in station III). This movement is induced by operation of a reversible extensible ram 316 connected between the stand 302 and a fixed support. Mounted on the stand 302 for rotation about a horizontal axis is the previously mentioned main arm 304 provided with parallel, crank-like, end portions 318.

Adjacent each longitudinal end of each crank portion 318, as shown in FIGURE 16, is mounted a pair 306 of gripping tongs, previously mentioned. Each pair 306 of gripping tongs includes inner and outer bases 320 and 322 respectively. The bases 320 and 322 at their lower extremities are disposed in overlapping relation about a common shaft 323 supported on the arm 304, for rotation about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the main arm 304. The bases 320 and 322 include radially projecting inner and outer flanges 324 and 326, respectively, whose free extremities 328 and 330 are closely adjacent in a gripping position (FIGURE 17) of the gripping tongs. The bases 320 and 322 may be moved to a release position (FIGURE 18), as will be described, in which the extremities 328 and 330 of the bases are spaced relatively far apart.

A tension spring 332 is connected at its opposed extremities to the bases 320 and 322 in geometrically over center relation with respect to their common axis of rotation in a well known manner, to insure that the bases 320 and 322 occupy at all times either one or the other of their relatively extreme gripping and release positions of movement. Further movement apart of the bases 320 and 322 in their release position is limited by a pin 334 extending perpendicularly from the radial face of the inner base 320 abutting a radial projection on the periphery of outer base 322.

Each of the outer bases 322 is fixedly secured to a shaft 323 on which it is mounted by a threaded connector 335. Fixedly secured to the other end of each of the two shafts 323 on each crank end is a gear wheel 340 which rotates concurrently with its associated outer base 322. The gear wheels 340 are rotatably connected by a back gear train comprising identical, freely rotatable meshing gear wheels 342 and 343. As a result, rotation of one outer base 322 to release that pair 306 of gripping tongs causes corresponding rotation of the outer base 322 of the connected pair 306 of gripping tongs which are thus concurrently released.

In order to insure that the pairs 306 of gripping tongs may rotate in unison in both their gripping and released positions, for a purpose that will be described, a front gear train comprising gears 346 and 348 is also provided. The gears 346 and 348 mesh with each other and with tooth portions provided on the radial periphery of the inner bases 320 which are each freely rotatable relative to the shafts 323 on which they are mounted. The range of angular movement of the front gear train and hence of the pairs of gripping tongs is limited by a pin 350 received within an arcuate slot 352 in the gear 348 restricting the radial motion of that gear.

The centers of rotation of the inner bases 320 and of the gear wheels 348 lie in a straight line along the longitudinal axis of the crank end portion 318. A tension spring 354 connected by pins 356 at its opposed extremities to the gear wheels 348 is arranged in a geometrical over center relation thereto in a known manner so that displacements of either pair 306 of gripping tongs causes both pairs 306 to be moved to one extreme position or other of movement thereof.

In one extreme position of movement (FIGURES 15 and 19) the pairs 306 of gripping tongs are disposed in a relatively inclined position, referred to, as the inclined position. In the other extreme position of relative motion the pairs 306 of gripping tongs lie in aligned opposed directions along the longitudinal axis of the crank end portion 318 in a straightened position (FIGURES 17 and 18).

Secured to each extremity 328 and 330 of the bases and extending perpendicularly thereto axially toward the 9 adjacent spindle 4 are the previously mentioned inner and outer tongs 308 and 312, respectively (FIGURE 11), which are slender and may be of rectangular cross section.

As the spindle 4 reaches station HI, the pairs 306 of gripping tongs on the uppermost crank end portion 318 of the main arm 304- are in their relatively inclined, entry position (FIGURE 13) with the bases 320' and 322 spread relatively apart in their release position. In this position, in station IH, the two previously mentioned axially extending slots 5 provided in the periphery of the spindle 4 within the area thereof in peripheral contact with the backing sheet .102, are axially aligned with the inner tongs 308. Actuation of the ram 316 to move the stand 302 toward the spindle 4 moves the inner tongs 308 axially into the passages 310 beneath the backing sheet 102. At this time the outer tongs 312 are spaced radially outside the wound stocking 204. After the inner tongs 308 have completed their entry into the slots 310, a ram 362 adjacent the uppermost of the outer tongs 312 applies a force to the pin 370, perpendicular and secured to the outer base 322 on the opposite side thereof from the tong 312, to initiate a relative closing motion of the bases which is completed by action of the spring 332. As that one pair of gripping tongs 306 closes so does the other pair 306 due to the action of the previously mentioned back gear train. With the tongs 356 and 358 now biased by the spring 332 into gripping engagement with opposite sides of the backing sheet 102 and the stocking 204, the previously mentioned ram 34 is operated to rotate the cam 24 operating on the yoke 26 to release the hooked tips 9 of the holding members 6 of the spindle 4 from engagement with the holes 140 in the backing sheet 102. At the same time the periphery of the yoke 26 moves inwardly of the spindle thereby releasing the tension on the stocking and card to an appreciable degree.

The ram 316 then operates to move the stand 302 away from the spindle so that the pairs 306 of gripping tongs may slide the loosened stocking and backing sheet easily off the spindle 4.

Subsequent to removal of the pairs 306 of gripping tongs from the spindle 4, the turret 2 is indexed through one position to place another spindle 4, bearing a stocking and backing sheet, in station III.

Also subsequent to removal of the pairs 306 of gripping tongs from the spindle 4, a motor 360 supported on the stand 302 rotates the main arm 304 through 180 degrees so that the uppermost crank end portion 318, formerly adjacent the spindle 4, reaches the position formerly occupied by the lowermost crank end portion 318. In this position, as seen in FIGURE 13, the backing card 102 and stocking 204 are still supported by the pairs 306 of gripping tongs in an arcuately deformed configuration with the stocking looped loosely about the card.

In a next operation, the ram 316 operates again to advance the stand 302 and hence the pair 306 of gripping tongs occupying the uppermost position toward the succeeding spindle 4 to engage the stocking carried on that spindle in the manner just described. At the same time the recently removed stocking and backing still supported in the deformed condition are advanced axially to a position beneath the spindle 4, defined as station IV, for straightening and bagging.

Straightening and bagging the stocking In order to straighten the backing sheet 102 and stocking 204 to a flat configuration the pairs 306 of gripping tongs are moved to the aligned, straightening position by a ram 403 (FIGURE 13). The ram 403 is positioned adjacent the inner base 320 of the lowermost pair 306 of gripping tongs, and is operated at an appropriate time to apply a force to a pin 404 perpendicular and secured to the outer portion 324 adjacent the mid point thereof of the inner base 320 on the opposite side to the inner tong 308. The force exerted by the ram 403 causes the pairs 306 of gripping tongs to be moved to the straightening position thereof shown in FIGURE 14. In the straightening position, the inner tongs 308 lie in a single plane spaced apart by a distance equal to half the interior peripheral length of the stocking 204 in its wound configuration so that the backing sheet 102 and the stocking are straightened out to a fiat configuration. As the backing sheet is substantially equal in length to half the interior peripheral length of the stocking wound about it, the stocking 204 in the straightened condition will lie fiat against the opposed flat side surfaces of the backing sheet 102 in the condition desired for subsequent insertion into a bag. The previously mentioned overlying top portion of the stocking provided during pick up, extends about both sides of the backing sheet adjacent one edge thereof subsequent to straightening and is securely held in position by the overlying wrapped portions so that the stocking will not loosen on the backing sheet.

The bagging apparatus 400 (FIGURE 20) includes a generally rectangular hopper 405 containing a plurality of the previously mentioned, horizontally disposed vertically stacked bags 402 having their usual openings facing toward the rear lateral extremity of the hopper.

Means (not shown or claimed) of a conventional kind are provided for feeding the bags 402 vertically in the hopper 405 to ensure that as filled bags are removed, a fresh unfilled bag 402 is advanced vertically. The hopper 405 is so positioned with respect to the position occupied by the pairs 306 of gripping arms in the straightened position in station IV, that the topmost bag 402 in the hopper 405 lies generally in the plane of the straightened backing sheet 102 supported on the tongs with the open end of the bag 402 spaced from and facing toward the forward end of the backing sheet.

To transfer the wrapped stocking from the pairs 306 of gripping tongs to the bags 402, a transferring head 406 includes a laterally and forwardly extending base 408 which, in a reception position thereof, is positioned adjacent and underlying the rear lateral extremity of the straightened backing card and stocking. A movable gripping plate 410 extending transversely of the plate 408 and pivotally connected thereto, is moved downwardly by a ram 411, as will be described, to grip the rear lateral end of the stocking and card between the base 408 and the movable plate 410.

In order to place the pairs 306 of gripping tongs in condition for removal from the wrapped stocking subsequent to closure of the transferring head 406, a ram 412 (FIGURE 14) positioned adjacent the position occupied by the lowermost pair 306 of gripping tongs in station IV, next applies a downward force to the previously described pin 370 secured to the outer base 322 of the lowermost pair 306 of gripping tongs. This force moves the outer bases 322 to the release position to free the tongs 308 and 312 from gripping engagement with the stocking, as shown in FIGURE 21.

During the period of time occupied in engaging the transferring head 406 with the stocking and sheet and releasing the lowermost pair of gripping tongs at station IV, the previously described operations at station III of gripping the stocking with the uppermost pair of gripping tongs and releasing the holding members 6 are also performed.

In a next operation, the ram 316 withdraws the stand 312 axially to withdraw the lowermost pair of gripping tongs from the stocking which remains supported by the transferring head 406 as shown in FIGURE 23. At the same time another wrapped stocking is removed from the spindle 4 on the uppermost pair of gripping tongs as previously described.

At this time a vertically moving suction tube 414 positioned above and adjacent the rearward end of the hopper 405 and having a suction element 416 for lifting the upper surface of the top bag 402, is raised thus opening the front end of the bag as shown in FIGURE 20.

The stocking wrapped about the backing sheet is then transferred longitudinally into the open bag as shown in FIGURE 23 by a transfer drive mechanism generally designated 418, as shown in FIGURES 24 and 25. The transfer drive mechanism 418 includes a reversible extensible ram 420 fixed in position in relation to the hopper 405. Ram 420 includes a sliding plunger 422 fixedly connected at its free extremity to the transferring head 406 by a bracket 423 (FIGURE 26). The plunger 422 moves longitudinally in the plane of the backing sheet to move the transferring head 406 from its reception position to a final position shown in FIGURES 23 and 27 in which the stocking has been fully longitudinally inserted into the bag 402. At this time the suction element 416 is released permitting the bag to close. The filled bag is subsequently permitted to slide away to a reception area down an inclined chute 424 extending from the hopper 405.

Referring to FIGURES 25 and 26, the previously mentioned reversible extensible ram 411 operating the gripping plate 410 is connected between a housing 426 fixedly secured to the plunger 422 and a crank arm 428 secured to the flap 410. Also secured to the housing 426 is a rod 430 slidably received within a guide 432 secured to the ram 420 for preventing the housing 426 from rotating in the vertical plane.

After the lowermost pairs 306 of gripping tongs have been withdrawn from the straightened stocking, they occupy the position shown in FIGURE 28 in which the lowermost pairs 306 of gripping tongs are in the straightened position thereof with the inner and outer bases 320 and 322 in their released positions.

An upwardly moving ram 440 then applies a force to the previously mentioned pin 4%4 on the inner base 320 of the lowermost pair of gripping tongs to rotate the pairs 306 of tongs with the bases still in their released position to their relatively inclined entry position. The main arm 304 is then rotated to bring the gripping tongs to the uppermost position in which they are now in condition to enter the spindle 4 in the manner previously described ready for a subsequent cycle of operation of the machine.

Advantages and scope of invention In using the method and apparatus of the present invention, a particularly high rate of packaging of ladies stockings will be achieved.

In particular, the provision of a turret bearing three separate spindles enables a plurality of stockings in different stages of the wrapping sequence to be operated upon simultaneously which should provide increased packaging capability.

Further advantages are provided by the unique method of deforming the card, wrapping the stocking about the deformed card and straightening the stocking because these motions occur in substantially the same direction of rotation which will thereby avoid the lost time involved in processes requiring longitudinally reversing folding steps.

Additionally significant is the unique backing sheet holding mechanism which slackens the stocking on the spindle at the time the sheet is released from the holding pins, so that the wrapped stocking should be more easily withdrawn.

Additional advantages are provided by the withdrawal apparatus which removes the stocking, straightens it and passes it to the transferring apparatus for bagging in a sequence of operations so arranged with respect to the indexing of successive spindles as will provide for particularly rapid and economic operation.

It will be appreciated that the terms upper, lower, and side, as used to describe components of the packaging apparatus are merely employed to indicate the relative placement of such components with respect to one another and are not intended as a limitation.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, substitutions and other changes not specifically described and illustrated in the preferred embodiment may be made which will fall within the purview of the appended claims.

Iclaim:

1. A method for wrapping a pliant elongate article about a deformable, generally flat, backing, comprising in sequence the steps of:

wrapping the backing peripherally about a peripheral portion of a spindle;

winding the pliant article peripherally about the spindle exteriorly of the backing;

concurrently withdrawing the backing and the pliant article axially from the spindle; and

restoring the backing to the flat configuration.

2. A method for wrapping a pliant article in accordance to claim 1 including the further final step of:

transferring the backing and pliant article wrapped thereabout into a bag.

3. A method for wrapping a Ipliant elongate article about a deformable, generally flat, backing, comprising in sequence the steps of:

pressing a central portion of the hacking into tangential contact with a circular spindle;

wrapping the remainder of the backing into peripheral contact with the spindle;

holding the free extremities of the backing on the spindle;

winding the pliant article peripherally about the spindle exteriorly of the backing;

concurrently withdrawing the backing and the pliant article axially from the spindle; and restoring the backing to the flat configuration. 4. A packaging machine for packaging a pliant elongate article of the type adapted to be wrapped about a deformable, generally flat, backing, the machine comprising:

support means for supporting the backing; deforming means cooperating with said support means for deforming the backing into an arcuate configuration, said support means supporting the backing in the arcuate configuration after deformation thereof; wrapping means for wrapping the pliant article about said support means exteriorly of the backing; and

withdrawing means for concurrently withdrawing the backing and the article axially from said support means after operation of said wrapping means, said withdrawing means restoring the backing to a flat configuration subsequent to withdrawal thereof from said support means.

5. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 4 further including:

bagging means for enclosing the pliant article and the backing within a bag subsequent to restoration of the backing to a flat configuration.

6. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 4 wherein said support means comprises a circular spindle.

7. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 6 further including:

holding means on said spindle for holding the backing in peripheral contact with said spindle subsequent to operation of said deforming means, said deforming means and said spindle moving relatively apart upon operation of said holding means.

8. A packaging machine for packaging a pliant elongate article of the type adapted to be wrapped about a deformable, generally flat backing, the machine comprising:

a circular spindle;

first pressing means movable radially relative to said spindle for pressing a central portion of the backing against said spindle;

second pressing means for pressing the remainder of the backing against the periphery of said spindle subsequent to the operation of said first pressing means; holding means for retaining the backing on the spindle subsequent to the operation of said second pressing means, said pressing means and said spindle moving relatively apart subsequent to the operation of said holding means;

wrapping means for wrapping the pliant article about said spindle exteriorly of the backing; and

withdrawing means for concurrently withdrawing the backing and the article axially from said spindle after operation of said wrapping means.

9. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 6, said deforming means and said spindle moving relatively apart subsequent to deformation of the backing.

10. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 9 further including:

securing means on said spindle for securing one longitudinal end of the pliant article to a point on the periphery of said spindle subsequent to relative separation of said deforming means and said spindle; and

means for rotating said spindle subsequent to the operation of said securing means to wind the pliant article peripherally about said spindle.

11. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 6 wherein said Withdrawing means comprises:

gripping means movable axially with respect to said spindle, said gripping means gripping the pliant article and the backing upon movement of said gripping means to a position axially adjacent the spindle; and

removing means for removing said gripping means axially from said spindle subsequent to operation of said gripping means;

whereby the pliant article wound about the backing is removed from the spindle.

12. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 11 wherein said gripping means are automatically released subsequnt to removal thereof from said spindle.

13. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 12 wherein said gripping means includes two stretching por tions positioned internally of the pliant member, said stretching portions movable to a spaced position upon release of said gripping means in which said stretching portions are spaced apart a distance equal to the length of half the periphery of the pliant member, whereby the pliant member and the backing are placed in a fiat configuration.

14. A packaging machine for packaging a pliant elon gate article of a type adapted to be wrapped about a deformable, generally flat backing, the machine comprising:

a spindle adapted to support the pliant article with the pliant article wrapped peripherally about said spindle, with the backing positioned intermediate the stocking and said spindle and extending about a portion of the periphery thereof, and

said spindle including a plurality of axially extending peripheral openings underlying at least two radially spaced portions of the backing,

withdrawing means for withdrawing the article and the backing from said spindle, said withdrawing means including:

gripping means reversibly movable axially relative to said spindle between a first position axially adjacent said spindle and a second position axially separated from said spindle, said gripping means durin-g motion thereof from said second to said first position not engaging the article and backing, said gripping means during motion from the first to the second position thereof continuously gripping the article and backing to withdraw the article and backing from the spindle.

15. A packaging machine according to claim 14 wherein said gripping means comprises:

a plurality of pairs of tongs, each said pair of tongs including:

an inner tong movable axially into one of said axial openings in the periphery of said spindle in underlying relation to the backing;

an outer tong adjacent and spaced radially from said inner tong in overlying relation to the pliant article; and

means moving said outer and inner tongs into abutting relation gripping the article and backing prior to movement of said gripping means from the first to the second position thereof and continuously during said movement.

16. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 15 wherein said inner and outer tongs in each said pair of tongs are hingedly connected.

17. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 15 further including:

straightening means for moving said inner tongs of said pairs of tongs into alignment in one plane in which at least two extreme said inner tongs are spaced longitudinally apart by a distance substantially equal to one half of the internal peripheral length of the stocking in the wound configuration thereof subsequent to removal of the stocking from said spindle.

'18. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 16 wherein said gripping means comprises two said pairs of tongs, further including:

means connecting said inner and outer tongs of one said pair of tongs with the corresponding said inner and outer tongs of the other said pair of tongs for transmitting relative movement between said inner and outer tongs of said one pair of tongs to said inner and outer tongs of said other pair of tongs.

19. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 10 wherein said securing means includes:

vacuum means for applying a vacuum at one peripheral point on said spindle to an adjacent portion of the pliant elongate article contacting said one peripheral portion of said spindle.

20. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 19 wherein said vacuum means includes:

a plurality of radially extending axially spaced apertures in one portion of the periphery of said spindle,

a chamber extending axially from one radial face of said spindle in fluid communication with said apertures,

a hollow tube movable axially relative to said spindle into sealing engagement with the periphery of said chamber adjacent the radial face of said spindle; and

means for applying a vacuum to said hollow tube.

21. A packaging machine in accordance to claim 20 wherein the packaging machine includes a plurality of said circular spindles indexed successively past said hollow tube, the packaging machine further including:

means for successively engaging said tube with each of said successively indexed spindles for applying vacuum to each said spindle in turn.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,383,825 5/1968 Titchnal 5324 1,473,175 11/1923 Cannon 5321 2,063,547 12/ 1936 Gibbons 5321 2,226,231 12/1940 Morse 53-21 2,622,730 12/1952 Sharp 5321 X 2,735,250 2/ 1956 Buddecke 53- 26 X 2,925,693 2/1960 Boone 5321 3,024,580 3/ 1962 McIntyre 53-24 WAYNE A. MORSE, JR., Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 5326, 124 

